"I was surprised at first" - Justine Henin on Barty's retirement

Former seven-time Grand Slam champion Justine Henin retired from tennis at a young age but even she was surprised when Ashleigh Barty announced her retirement from the game.

Barty, who won her first Australian Open title in January, announced a shock retirement from tennis at the age of 25. Henin on the other hand decided to end her career at the age of 28. It came after a lengthy battle with knee injuries which is quite different from Barty who retired seemingly in perfect health. Speaking to Eurosport, Henin said:

“I was surprised, at first. Of course, I can put myself in her shoes because I stopped - not really in the same conditions, but I was young too, so I started again afterwards. We don't know what the future holds for her - and I was surprised because Ash Barty seemed to me to be the one who was going to continue to stamp her authority on women's tennis."

Speaking further she said:

“The world No. 1, retiring so young, it's always something surprising, but at the same time Barty doesn't necessarily do things the same way as the others. You have to respect her decision, nobody can judge because we all live our careers in a different way."